Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers
Braces, wires, springs, rubber bands, and other appliances can attract food
and plaque, which can stain your teeth if not brushed away. Most orthodontists
recommend brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and
carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Some
orthodontists will also prescribe or recommend a fluoride mouthwash, which can
get into places in your mouth that a toothbrush can't.
Special Brushing & Flossing Instructions
To floss your teeth, feed the short end of the floss through the space
between the main arch wire and the upper portion of the tooth closest to the
gum. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss on each side of the two teeth
the floss is between. Be careful not to pull with too much force around the
arch wire. Begin brushing your teeth by using a regular soft toothbrush. Brush
down from the top and then up from the bottom on each tooth with braces. Next,
brush your teeth with a proxabrush or "Christmas tree" brush. This
brush is specially designed for cleaning between two braces. Insert the brush
down from the top and then up from the bottom between two braces. Use several
strokes in each direction before moving on to the next space between two
braces. Repeat the procedure until all teeth have been cleaned.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Most of the foods you like can still be eaten if you cut them into small
pieces that can be easily chewed. There are certain foods, however, that can
break or loosen your braces and should be avoided, such as:
- Hard or tough-to-bite foods, such as apples or bagels
- Chewy foods, such as taffy or caramels
- Corn on the cob
- Hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts and carrots
In addition to foods, do not chew ice or bubble gum.
Caring for Retainers
Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer as well. Once a day or
at least once a week, disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a denture
cleanser, such as Efferdent or Polident or other brand name solutions. Add the
cleanser to a cup full of warm -- but never hot -- water. Thoroughly rinse the
retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth.
Next: What to do if a bracket or wire breaks »
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